Joanne Carol DanforthVentura, CA Joanne Danforth prematurely left this earthly abode during the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. She had been hospitalized for four days since a heart attack on the morning of May 5th. During that period a series of complicating conditions of heart, kidneys and finally her lungs caused her to be unable to fight off the multiple attacks on her body. All of this occurred despite the heroic efforts of the entire staff of the Cardiac Care Unit prior to her death. Joanne was born on February 18, 1939 in Springfield, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Ethel and Howard Mayer of that city. She was educated there and graduated from Classical High School with the class of 1956. Following that she continued her education at Westbrook Junior College in Portland, Maine. She then earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Columbia University and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City in 1961. In September of 1961 she married Ensign William Danforth of the United States Navy and together they traveled throughout the country at numerous installations for the next 21 years. During this period, Joanne was very active in many Navy Officer's Wives' organizations and particularly enjoyed arranging functions for greeting the service members upon their return from lengthy deployments. She as was also active in supporting numerous charities. In addition, she periodically worked or volunteered with several medical organizations. While living in Pacific Grove, CA Joanne and Bill adopted a daughter, Sara Jo Danforth, who recently passed away at the age of 49. In 1978 the family moved to Ventura, CA where they have since resided. Joanne was employed at the Livingstone Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and served as Nursing Supervisor as well as Nurse Educator for over 20 years. Following that she became much more active with the Community Presbyterian Church where she became a member and regular participant in bible study classes. She enjoyed numerous church functions while making many new friends. She was an avid gardener, voracious reader, and generous volunteer at Community Memorial Hospital. She was greatly loved and respected and known for her selflessness, caring and devotion to her family. Her life was indeed a full one and she traveled throughout the world from Massachusetts to Florida to California to Hawaii to Virginia and finally to many of the nations of the Far East and Europe savoring the delights of each area and country. Joanne is survived by her husband, Bill ; her brother Douglas Mayer (Arlene) of Feeding Hills, MA ; brother-in-law Phil Danforth (Sandy) and John Danforth (Carol) as well as nieces Carolyn Hope (Paul), Bonnie Spencer (Steve), Amy Shank (Dan), Jodi Danforth, Ginnie Freeman (Scott), and Carrie Schymanski (Jason). A Memorial Service will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church, 1555 Poli Street, Ventura 93001 at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Presbyterian Church at the above address. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.